Australian hoax call DJs will not face manslaughter charges

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Two Australian DJs who made a hoax call to King Edward VII’s Hospital while pretending to be members of the royal family will not face manslaughter charges.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) revealed on Friday (February 1st) that there was no evidence to support the charge against Mel Greig and Michael Christian.

Malcom McHaffie, deputy head of special crime at the CPS, revealed the organisation had taken into account the fact the phone call was meant as a harmless prank.

“No further investigation is required because any potential prosecution would not be in the public interest,” he said.

On December 4th last year, the two DJs rang the hospital where the Duchess of Cambridge was receiving treatment, pretending to be royals enquiring after her health.

Nurse Jacintha Saldanha took the call and was found dead in nearby nurses accommodation in an apparent suicide three days later.

The CPS revealed that although there was some evidence that could warrant investigation into offences under the Malicious Communications Act and Data Protection Act, it is not possible to extradite Australian nationals for such crimes.

In revealing interviews last December the DJs revealed they were “incredibly sorry” for the part they played in Ms Saldanha’s death, with Mel Greig stating that she was “devastated” for the nurse’s family.